Introduction to TPU-CF5 Material
TPU-CF5 (Thermoplastic Polyurethane with 5% Carbon Fiber) is a high-performance thermoplastic elastomeric composite that incorporates 5% carbon fiber reinforcement within a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix. The addition of carbon fiber significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the material, improving its strength, stiffness, and overall durability while maintaining the flexibility and resilience typical of TPU. TPU-CF5 is designed for applications that require a balance between elasticity, wear resistance, and mechanical strength, making it suitable for various industries including automotive, industrial manufacturing, and consumer products.
Characteristics and Values for Enhanced Performance
Carbon Fiber Content: 5%
The 5% carbon fiber content in TPU-CF5 provides an improvement in the material’s tensile and flexural strength without compromising its inherent flexibility. This moderate carbon fiber reinforcement is ideal for applications that demand enhanced mechanical performance while retaining the characteristic flexibility of TPU.
Tensile Strength: ≥ 50 MPa
TPU-CF5 demonstrates solid tensile strength, making it capable of withstanding moderate mechanical loads without permanent deformation. This characteristic makes it well-suited for applications where moderate strength and flexibility are essential.
Flexural Strength: ≥ 80 MPa
The material exhibits good flexural strength, ensuring it can withstand bending forces and return to its original shape after deformation, ideal for parts exposed to repeated bending or flexing.
Impact Strength: ≥ 30 kJ/m²
With improved impact resistance, TPU-CF5 is capable of absorbing moderate shock loads, making it more durable and reliable in applications where sudden impacts or stresses are encountered.
Thermal Properties
Heat Deflection Temperature: Approximately 120°C
TPU-CF5 can maintain its structural integrity in moderate temperature environments, making it suitable for components exposed to temperatures up to 120°C. It performs well in environments where heat resistance is important but extreme temperature stability is not critical.
Long-Term Service Temperature: Up to 90°C
The material can operate in environments with fluctuating temperatures, maintaining consistent performance in demanding applications up to a long-term service temperature of 90°C.
Chemical Stability
TPU-CF5 offers good resistance to a variety of chemicals, including oils, fuels, and solvents, though its chemical resistance is not as high as more specialized composites like PA12-LCF60. It also exhibits a relatively low moisture absorption rate, ensuring stable performance in humid or wet conditions.
Processing Characteristics
TPU-CF5 can be processed using standard manufacturing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. The material’s carbon fiber content does not significantly affect its processing behavior, ensuring that high-precision and durable parts can be produced with ease. This makes it a versatile option for producing flexible yet robust components.
Other Characteristics
Low Water Absorption
Like other TPU-based materials, TPU-CF5 has low moisture uptake, which ensures dimensional stability even in humid or wet conditions.
Good Wear Resistance
The incorporation of carbon fibers enhances the wear resistance of TPU-CF5, making it suitable for applications where parts are subjected to friction or repeated movement, such as seals, gaskets, and protective covers.
Applications
Automotive Industry:
TPU-CF5 is ideal for components that require moderate strength and flexibility, such as gaskets, seals, and bushings, where resistance to wear and shock is important without sacrificing flexibility.
Industrial Manufacturing:
In industrial applications, TPU-CF5 can be used in protective covers, tubing, and seals, where a balance between mechanical strength, wear resistance, and elasticity is necessary.
Consumer Goods:
TPU-CF5 is suitable for manufacturing durable consumer products like footwear, sporting goods, and mobile phone cases, which require flexibility combined with enhanced mechanical properties.
Summary Table
Characteristic |
Value/Description |
Carbon Fiber Content |
5% |
Tensile Strength |
≥ 50 MPa |
Flexural Strength |
≥ 80 MPa |
Impact Strength |
≥ 30 kJ/m² |
Heat Deflection Temperature |
Approximately 120°C |
Long-Term Service Temperature |
Up to 90°C |
Chemical Resistance |
Good resistance to oils, fuels, solvents |
Water Absorption |
Low |
Processing Methods |
Injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing |